Truss



March 2, 1937. A, HERZBERG 2,072,169

TRUSS Filed July e, 1955 2 sheetssheet 1 lNvENToR ATTORNEY MarC 2, 1937. A C;l HERZBERG 2,072,169

TRUSS Filed Jly, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 2, 1937 UNITEDSTATES PATENT oFFicE Albert C. Herzberg, Memphis, Tenn.

Application July 6, 1935, Serial No. 30,094

6 Claims.

Thisinvention relates to improvements in hernial trusses; and the invention has reference, more particularly, to a novel construction of light weight truss having a novel construction and arrangement of truss pad.

The invention has for its principal object to provide a hernial truss having a novel form of resilient' compressible pad adapted to be held in place by a supporting belt without necessity for mechanical connection therewith, whereby the pad may be easily adjusted relative to the belt so as to be positioned for the most effective support of the hernial protrusion, and so as to best serve the bodily comfort of the wearer. The invention has for a further object to provide a novel truss pad in the form of 'a resilient compressible body adapted, when held in place by the supporting belt or harness, to be secure against shifting or displacement, while nevertheless readily accommodating itself to the bodily and muscular movements of the wearer without the least discomfort; the character of the pad body, and its easily adjustable relation to the supporting belt or harness, assuring, in use, the exertion of an upward as well as inward pressure upon the hernial protrusion, which is best calculated to furnish the required support.

The invention has for a further object to provide a truss pad comprising ka resilient compressible body having imbedded therein, and exposed at its operative face, a plurality of suction cup elements, which not only aid in holding the pad against displacement from operative disposition relative tothe wearers body, but additionally produce a massage-like action upon the musculartissue in the vicinity of the hernial protrusionf Vwhich is very beneficial, in that such muscular tissue is thereby exercised and strengthened.

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

Illustrative embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. l is a front elevation of a single hernia truss according to this invention, as applied to 50 thewearers body; and Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same.

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical longitudinal section, taken on line 3-3 in Fig. 1, but drawn on an enlarged scale; Fig. 4 is an elevation of the novel .55 pad per Sa-looking toward the inner gr (Cl. 12S-106) contact face thereof; and Fig. 5 is a side edge elevation of said truss pad.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of one form of double hernia truss according to this invention, as applied to the wearers body; and Fig. 7 is a similar view of another or modified form of the double hernia truss.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a truss pad supporting belt or harness, the pad being omitted.

Figs. 9 and 10 are contact face elevation and sectional views of a modified form of the hernia pad per se.

Similar characters of reference are employed in the above views to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the truss pad per se comprises a resilient compressible body I0, preferably of a substantially rectangular oblong shape end of a substantial thickness. A desirable material from which the body Il) may be made is sponge-rubber. Sponge-rubber, by reason of its Vforaminous form and the inherent resiliency or elasticity of the rubber, provides the characteristic of elastic compressibility which is an important factor both with regard to the retention of the body in the adjusted relation to the holding belt or harness without necessity for mechanical attachment thereto, as well as with regard to the arrangement ofthe pad for the desired production of upward as well as inward pressure upon the hernial protrusion against which the pad is applied when in use. Imbedded in the contact face side of the pad body l0 are a plurality of suitably 'spaced or grouped vacuum or suction cup elements Il having end walls I2 at their inner extremities and outwardly open mouths I3, the latter being bordered by annular rounded flanges or lips I4, which are preferably ush with the contact face surface of the pad body as shown in Fig. 10, or the same may project somewhat from the Contact face surface of the pad body I0 (see Fig 5). The spaced relation or grouping of the vacuum or suction cup elements Il is subject to a wide variation. For example, the same are shown in Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive disposed in spaced parallel vertical rows, and in Fig. 9 a symmetrical central group; these groupings thereof are merely illustrative of some of many possible group arrangements which may be utilized, rvariation of which may be made to best t any given hernial condition to which a particular pad is to be adapted. It will also be obvious that the particular number of the vacuum or suction cups is likewise subject to con- Siderable variation, as may be desired in any given case. It is preferable to provide the pad body III at its upper end with a transverse tapered portion I5, to thereby reduce the bulk of the upper end portion to the end that outward bulging of the wearers garments is avoided, and so that the presence of the truss is rendered substantially invisible through the wearers clothmg.

The means for supporting and holding the truss pad body in place when applied to the wearers body may consist of any form of harness suitable to hold and sustain the pad at the desired point of application thereof to the wearers body. Illustrative of one practical form of r such supporting and holding means, and one which is deemed best suited to average conditions of use, the same is shown as comprising a flexible belt I6, having secured to one end thereof a comparatively rigid backing or supporting plate I1. This plate may be made of stiff leather, metal, or any other comparatively rigid or relatively non-flexible material. The opposite end of the belt I6 is provided with coupling straps I8, adjustably connected by buckles I9, or any other suitable fastening means, to the belt end portion so as to project longitudinally outward therefrom to the desired extent. Adjacent to their free ends,A said coupling straps `Iare provided with button holes 20 to cooperate with studs 2| which project from the outer face of plate I1 adjacent to the free end thereof. It will be understood, however, that any other form of cooperative fastening means found convenient for joining the free end of the belt I6 to the plate I1 may be used, and that the button hole and stud form described is merely illustrative of one possibility for this purpose. Suitably secured to the belt I6, at the back portion thereof, to extend downwardly therefrom, is a leg or crotch strap 22. The free end portion of this leg or crotch strap is also provided with a button hole 23 detachably engageable with one of the studs 2l of the plate I1.

To apply the truss to the wearers body, the

.1' pad body I0 is placed over the hernial protrusion, kwith the longitudinal axis of the pad body disposed in a substantially perpendicular position, and with the contact face of the pad, having the vacuum or suction cups II, engaged against the abdomen surface at which the hernial protrusion is located. When the pad is properly positioned, the plate I1 of the supporting and holding means is applied against the outer or back face of the pad, and the belt I6, eX- tending from one end of the plate I1, is passed around the wearers body, whereupon the coupling straps I8 are connected to the studs 2| at the other end of the plate I1. The leg or crotch strap 22 is extended around the inner side of the wearers leg and then upwardly through the crotch, its free end being likewise connected to the lower stud 2I`of plate I1. When the belt I6 is properly adjusted for fit, and then secured around the wearers body as described, the plate I1 will be drawn inwardly against the back face of the pad body IIl, thereby compressing the lower portion of the same in the direction of the thickness of said pad body. The height or width of the plate I1 is sized to be less than the perpendicular length of the applied pad body I0, and consequently the compression of the latter intermediate its end portions effects an outward bulging of the pad body end portions, especially at the point beneath the lower margin of plate I1. By reason of these effects Which may be 11.-

hanced by corrugating the pad outer face, the pad body is held against shifting relative to the plate I1, although not directly attached to the latter; at the same time the compression of the pad body enhances the non-slipping grip of the contact face thereof against the wearers abdomen. The position of the plate I1, when properly adjusted and secured in holding relation to the pad body I0 by the belt I6, is such that it tends to incline downwardly and inwardly from its upper toward its lower margins, as shown in Fig. 3. The effect of this is to increase the compression of the pad body toward its lower end, and as a result the pressure of the same, as exerted upon the abdominal areas including the hernial protrusion against which it bears, is to eifect not only an inward pressure but also an upward pressure upon said hernial protrusion, thereby not only more elfectively supporting the same naturally against outward thrust but also with anuplifting effect which is highly desirable and beneficial. In order to hold the plate against upward shifting, especially under conditions of extra bodily activity of the wearer, the leg or crotch strap 22, as attached to the lower free end of the plate I1, serves as a restraining or anchoring tie, as will be evident from an inspection of Figs. l and 2 of the drawings. 'Ihe vacuum or suction cups II, when the pad I0 is compressed,

have their lips in close contact with the wearers skin, and under the pressure and resultant displacement of some of thev contained air therefrom, effect a suction-like action upon the skin, which causes a firm adherence of the pad in properly applied relation to the abdominal area 1;

about the hernial protrusion. In addition to this, when the wearer isbodily active, there tends to occur some relative movement of the pad, which although not in the nature of definite displacement from the desired applied position thereof, is of such nature as to produce a massage-like effect calculated to exercise, tone up and strengthen the muscular tissues surrounding the hernia effected areas; all of which is highly benecial and frequently aids in a reduction of the hernia, if not in an entire cure thereof.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the truss and truss pad of this invention may be adapted for use in cases of double hernia. In one arrangement thereof for this purpose, as shown in Fig. 6, two individual pad bodes I0 and I0" may be employed, each supported by its individual supporting and holding plate I1 and I1", the latter being suitably linked together by connection straps 24, but otherwise related to the belt I 6' in much the same manner as above described. In this case, two leg or crotch straps 22 and 22 may be provided to respectively serve the respective plates I1' and I1.

In another arrangement for double hernia, a single pad Ill'" may be utilized, the same being of a size to cover and embrace both hernia effected areas. In such case a single belt and leg or crotch strap supported holding plate I1" may be used of a size adapted to the enlarged size of the truss pad IU". V

The functional operations and effects of the double hernia types of truss and truss pad arrangements above mentioned, are substantially the same in every respect as above set forth in connection with the single hernia arrangement thereof.

It may be desirable to cover the contact face of the truss pad with a suitable covering (not shown), either merely interposed between the pad and rthe wearers body, or suitably fastened over the pad body per se. Chamois skin, e. g., may be used for this purpose, which while effective to shield the'wearers skin from direct contactwith the rubber of the pad, would, nevertheless, not interfere with the pressure exerting functions of the pad, or unduly impede the suction and massaging effects of the vacuum or suction cup elements with which the pad is'provided.

From the above, it will be obvious that a very efficient, light weight and comfortable truss structure is provided; the same permitting great freedom of movement to the wearer without risk of displacement, and consequently giving condence as well as adequate support which not only allows but encourages a wide latitude to the wearer as to indulgence in healthy bodily activities and exercise, under motives of pleasure or of necessity.

I am aware that various changes and modifications, other than those already referred to, could be made without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the herefollowing claims. Hence, I do not limit this invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the constructions, materials, or parts described in the foregoing specication or showninthe accompanying drawings; consequently such disclosures are to be considered as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. A truss, comprising a free pad body of easily compressible resilient material in combination with a body belt having a pad backing plate of less vertical dimension than that of said pad body, whereby said pad body may be initially disposed in desired position relative to said 'plate and thereafter held against shifting displacement relative thereto merely by reason of the plate sinking into the compressible resilient mass of the pad body intermediate its ends when the belt is tightened into place around the wearers person.

2. A truss, comprising a free pad body of sponge rubber having a substantial thickness in combination with a body belt having a pad backing plate of comparatively rigid material and of less vertical dimension than that of said pad body, whereby said pad body may be initially disposed in desired position relative to said plate and thereafter held against shifting displacement relative thereto merely by reason of the plate sinking into the compressible resilient mass of the pad body intermediate its ends when the belt is tightened into place around the Wearers person.

3. A truss, comprising a free pad body sponge rubber of substantial thickness and of more or less rectangular shape, said body having an upper end of tapering thickness, and a body belt having a pad backing plate of comparatively rigid material and of less vertical dimension than that of said pad body, whereby said pad body may be initially disposed in desired position relative to said plate and thereafter held against shifting displacement relative thereto merely by reason of the plate sinking into the compressible resilient mass of the pad body intermediate its ends when the belt is tightened into place around the Wearers person.

4; In a truss as dened in claim 1, wherein the pad body is provided with a plurality of hollow outwardly open suction cups having air impervious walls, said cups being imbedded in spaced apart relation within the mass of said body with their open mouths exposed at the effective contact face thereof.

5. In a truss as dened in claim 3, wherein the pad body is provided with a plurality of hollow outwardly open suction cups having air impervious walls, said cups being imbedded in spaced apart relation within the mass of said body with the marginal lips of their open mouths adjacent to the effective contact face of said body.

6. A truss pad comprising a body of sponge rubber having substantial thickness and of more or less rectangular shape, and a plurality of hollow outwardly open suction cups having air impervious walls, said cups being imbedded in spaced apart relation within the mass of said body with the marginal lips of their open mouths adjacent to the eiective contact face of said body.

ALBERT C. HERZBERG. 

